Data transmission apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A data transmission apparatus comprises an estimation device to estimate a transmission condition of the transmission channel in the transmitter based on at least Jitter information or a packet loss rate obtained from the receiver, and a controller to change at least one of a bit rate of transmission data and a error resilience level according to the estimated transmission condition.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromthe prior Japanese Patent Applications No. 2000-333916, filed Oct. 31,2000; and No. 2001-200156, filed Jun. 29, 2001, the entire contents ofboth which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data transmission method fortransmitting encoded moving/still picture by using a wired communicationnetwork such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) or a wirelesscommunication network such as PHS (Personal handy-phone System) orsatellite communication and a data transmission apparatus to which suchmethod is applied.

2. Description of Related Art

In recent years, with progress of digital encoding technology of avariety of information such as image and a broadband network technology,the development of applications using these technologies becomes active,and a system of transmitting compression-encoded image by utilizing acommunication network is developed.

For example, an input video signal is encoded at a video encoder, theobtained encoded data is provided to an encoded data transmitter, andtransmission data is transmitted to a transmission channel. In this way,a video is encoded and transmitted. In recent years, with the spread ofInternet/Intranet, there has been increased an application or system oftransmitting/receiving a packet of data. Providing data as a packet isvery effective means for efficiently sharing a bandwidth of acommunication channel by a plurality of users.

In the meantime, as a protocol for transmitting/receiving packet datavia Internet/Intranet, there exists TCP/IP (Transmission ControlProtocol/Internet Protocol) or UDP/IP (User Datagram Protocol/InternetProtocol) and the like.

Among them, TCP/IP is an Internet standard protocol. This protocol isapplied as the world's best known protocol to Intranet or LAN as well asInternet. TCP works in a transport layer that is a fourth layer of anOSI basic reference model, and IP works in a network layer that is athird layer.

In addition, UDP/IP is one of the TCP/IP suite transport layerprotocols. TCP is a connection type protocol. UDP is a disconnectiontype protocol. As with TCP, a host application is identified by using aport number. This protocol is often used to carry short data for monitorcontrol of a network or real time oriented data such as audio data orvideo data.

TCP/IP incorporates a frame such as retransmission. Thus, this protocolis strong against errors or the like. Even if a large amount of time isrequired, this protocol is effective to download type applications if anattempt is made to validly receive data. However, this protocol is notpowerful for applications requiring real time properties.

In contrast, although UDP/IP does not have a retransmission frame, adelay associated with retransmission does not occur. Thus, this protocolis very effective to applications requiring real time processing.

Transmission of moving picture is exemplified as a typical example ofapplication requiring real time processing. However, in the case ofgeneral video communication, video data has a very large amount of data,and overflows a network bandwidth in most cases. In this case, atechnique for encoding a video data signal, and transmitting a reducedamount of data is used. Techniques such as motion compensation, discretecosine transform (DCT), sub-band encoding, pyramid encoding, andvariable-length encoding or a combination of these techniques aredeveloped as compression-encoding of a video signal.

As an international standard system for moving picture encoding, thereare ISO MPEG-1, MPEG-2, ITU-T H. 261, H. 262, and H. 263. In addition,as an international standard system for multiplying an encoded datastream having a speech/audio signal compressed or other data, there arean ISO MPEG system, ITU-T H. 221, and H. 223.

Internet or the like is encompassed via an infinite number of networks.Usually, no one knows which network is used or what state is. Inaddition, an amount of data flowing a network changes from time to time.Thus, a system of judging what amount of data can be communicated in areal time is required.

Therefore, with further advancement from real time applicationsutilizing UDP/IP, there have been increased in number applications usinga packet format called RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) for adding andtransmitting time information or the like to a packet.

This RTP is a protocol for transferring audio data signal or video datasignal ruled in RFC 1889 in real time. Usually, data is carried on UDP(User Datagram Protocol). This protocol is assumed to be applied to amultimedia system such as video conference, and data can be exchanged ina real time interactive scheme. However, the protocol has no soundquality or picture quality assurance function. Sequential number or timestamp data is assigned into an RTP header, thereby supporting a readtime operation.

RFC is an abbreviation of Request for Comments, and denotes a documentsuch as technical proposal or comments disclosed by TETF (InternetEngineering Task Force). Many de-fact standards such as a variety ofprotocols of TCP/IP suite are described in RFC.

By utilizing this RTP, time information and a packet number are added toa packet, so that a receiver can display a voice or image by usingcorrect time information, can determine a packet or the like whose orderis replaced in a network, and can detect that a packet is lost byreferring to a packet number.

Moreover, the RTP provides with a system (RTCP) for notifying networkstate information such as jitter or packet loss rate from a transmitterto a receiver.

However, how this RTCP information is utilized depends on applications,and is not determined in standards.

In addition, in the case of an image, a bandwidth corresponding to videotransmission cannot be allocated in a network bandwidth, thus making itnecessary to compress and deliver a video signal in an encoding systemsuch as MPEG, as described previously. Although this encoding system iseffective in a decreased amount of data, the system becomes very fragileto a packet loss or error entry by supplying data to unstable Internet.This is because a moving picture encoding system transmits only adifference between a current frame and a previous frame. Thus, partialdata missing causes a very serious problem. In the case of using the UDPor RTP, data retransmission is not basically carried out, thus making itnecessary to counteract this problem.

There generally exist two modes in picture encoding, that is, one is aninter-frame encoding mode for transmitting a difference between thecurrent frame and the previous frame and an intra-frame encoding modefor carrying out encoding in one frame. In general, intra-frame encodedpictures are provided at a proper timing, and inter-frame encodedpictures are provided between them. An interval between the framesencoded in an intra-frame encoding mode is called a GOP (Group ofPicture) interval.

When an encoded picture is missing during transmission to the decoder,the decoded picture corresponding to the missing encoded picture isdestroyed. Thereafter, the intra-encoded pictures following the missingencoded picture are decoded based on the destroyed picture. Thus, allthe subsequent decoding pictures are affected by the destroyed picture,and decoding cannot be carried out correctly. Therefore, an intra-frameencoded picture is inserted in the way of a stream of frames to cut offa propagation of missing error and recover adequate decoding.

In a conventional technology, it can determine that errors occur in anetwork. However, how to utilize the determination result has beenunknown. Also, a system for notifying the network information to thetransmitter in an unique format is conceived. However, the system isbased on the specification of associated applications and lacks ageneral-purpose use. The system receives transmission data using aninformation receiver, and controls a video encoder within a range of theinformation received from the network via a transmission channel.

A conventional network condition determination is conceived onassumption of network congestion. However, since Internet is popularizedin mobile environment, it is required to consider an error or the likein wireless environment. Current technique does not assumecountermeasures against such error.

Further, in the case of dealing with the error, a case in which anetwork condition changes, and an error rate is not constant is notconsidered. If a short GOP interval is set in order to counteract a casein which errors frequently occur, the intra-frame encoding increasesresulting in impairing the encoding efficiency. When errors occurfrequently qualitatively, it may be required to establish such state inwhich such errors occur frequently. However, in the case of a network inwhich an error hardly occurs in a normal state, and an error occurs onlyat one moment, this setting is very wasteful. Conversely, when a longGOP interval is set, it is troublesome that a great influence occurswhen an error occurs.

Thus, a real time transmission using RTP is noted. As described above,by utilizing the RTP that is a protocol for transferring audio datasignal or video data signal in real time, time information and a packetnumber are added to a packet, whereby the receiver can display a voiceor image by using correct time information, can determine a packet orthe like whose order is replaced in a network, or can detect that apacket is lost by referring to a packet number.

Moreover, at the RTP, there is provided a system (RTCP) for notifyingnetwork state information such as jitter or packet loss rate from thetransmitter or receiver.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a data transmissionapparatus and method capable of adjusting a transmission rate by usingthe RTP characteristics in accordance with a transmission state of atransmission channel based on notification of network state informationsuch as jitter or packet loss rate, obtained from the receiver in thetransmitter or capable of carrying out controls such as changing errorresilience, thereby making it possible to efficiently transmit data tothe maximum, and fully utilize transmission that requires real timeproperties.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a datatransmission apparatus that transmits transmission data from atransmitter to a receiver via a transmission channel, comprising: anestimation device configured to estimate a transmission condition of thetransmission channel in the transmitter based on at least Jitterinformation or a packet loss rate obtained from the receiver; and acontroller configured to change at least one of a bit rate oftransmission data and a error resilience level according to theestimated transmission condition.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a datatransmission method comprising: estimating a transmission condition ofthe transmission channel in the transmitter based on at least Jitterinformation or a packet loss rate obtained from the receiver; andchanging at least one of a bit rate of transmission data and an errorresilience level according to the estimated transmission condition.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a datatransmission program stored on a computer readable medium, comprising:instruction means for instructing a computer to estimate a transmissioncondition of the transmission channel in the transmitter based on atleast Jitter information or a packet loss rate obtained from thereceiver; and instruction means for instructing the computer to changeat least one of a bit rate of transmission data and a error resiliencelevel according to the estimated transmission condition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a view showing a basic configuration of a data transmissionapparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view showing another configuration in the presentembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a network conditiondetermination device in the present embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a view showing a configuration of a video encoder in thepresent embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a configuration of an encoded parameterdetermining device in the present embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a basic configuration of a data transmissionapparatus in a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration of an encoded data switchdevice in the present embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a view illustrating a timing of encoded data switching at anencoded data switch device in the present embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a view illustrating a timing of switching encoded data withits different frame interval at the encoded data switch device in thepresent embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a basic example of the network conditiondetermination method at the network condition determination device inthe first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing a basic example when a delay is forcedto occur by using the network condition determination method at thenetwork condition determination device in the first embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing a basic example considering a timedirection change with the network condition determination method at thenetwork condition determination device in the present embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a view showing an exemplary configuration according to athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flow chart showing an example of a GOP interval calculationmethod at a GOP interval calculator in the present embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart showing another example of a GOP intervalcalculation method at a GOP interval calculator in the presentembodiment; and

FIG. 16 is a flow chart showing still another example of a GOP intervalcalculation method at a GOP interval calculator in the presentembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described withreference to the accompanying drawings.

The present invention utilizes RTP or RTCP that is a protocol fortransferring audio data signal or video data signal in real time. Thetransmitter performs controls such as adjusting a transmission rate orchanging error resilience in accordance with a transmission state of atransmission channel based on notification of network state informationacquired from the receiver such as jitter (Jitter information) or packetloss rate. In this manner, data transmission can be carried outefficiently to the maximum. Hereinafter, embodiments of the presentinvention will be described in detail.

(First Embodiment)

FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an image transmission apparatusaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, avideo signal 131 input from an image input device 101 is processed to beencoded. That is, an encoded data transmitter 103 processes encoded data132 that has been encoded by a video decoder 102 in the form whichconforms to a network, and transmits the encoded data to a receiver. Anetwork information receiver 104 receives network information 134delivered from the receiver, and outputs the received information to anetwork condition determination device 105. This network conditiondetermination device 105 has a function that determines a networkcondition from network information 135 output from the networkinformation receiver 104, and notifies the result as network conditioninformation 136 to the video encoder 102.

The video encoder 102 encodes the video signal 131 using the networkcondition information 136. This encoding is carried out as follows. Thatis, in the case of RTP or RTCP, a packet loss rate or Jitter informationis provided to the network condition determination device 105. Thenetwork condition determination device 105 determines that, if a packetloss rate is not “0” or if a delay time is longer than a predeterminedvalue, any load is applied to a network, and a presumed amount of datacannot be supplied. Then, the network condition determination device 105is configured so as to carry out processing so as to issue aninstruction (network condition information 136) for lowering a bit rateto the video encoder 102, and to lowly set a target bit rate inencoding.

According to the thus configured apparatus, when the video signal 131 isinputted from the image input device 101, the inputted video signal 131is encoded by the video encoder 102. Encoded data 132 encoded by thevideo encoder 102 is inputted to the encoded data transmitter 103.

The encoded data transmitter 103 processes the encoded data in the formsuitable to a network, and receives the processed data to a receiver.The network information receiver 104 receives the network information134 delivered from the receiver, and outputs the received information tothe network condition determination device 105.

The network condition determination device 105 determines a networkcondition from the network information 135 outputted from a networkinformation receiver, and notifies the result as the network conditioninformation 136 to the video encoder 102.

The video encoder 102 encodes the video signal 131 using the thusnotified network condition information 136.

FIG. 10 shows a very simple example of a method for determining anetwork condition at the network condition determination device 105 byway of showing a flow chart.

According to this flow chart, at the step S1001, a packet loss rate ofnetwork information is checked to see if the rate is “0” or not. As theresult of this check, if the packet loss is not “0”, an effective bitrate is calculated from the packet loss rate in accordance with the stepS1002. This bit rate can be calculated by formula (1) shown below.b′=b×(1−r)  (1)

where “b” denotes a current bit rate, b′ denotes a new bit rate, and “r”denotes a packet loss rate.

Next, at the step S1003, a parameter (encoding parameter) obtained atthe step S1002 is notified to the video encoder 102. Here, the aboveparameter is used to determine a rate control or error resilience levelfor encode processing at the image encoder 102. This parameter is alsoused for adjustments such as adjusting and controlling the encodeprocessing speed of the input image signal 131 to this parameter,thereby changing a bit rate, a frame interval, or an error resiliencelevel.

On the other hand, at the step S1001, when the packet loss rate is “0”,no parameter change occurs at the step S1004. This determination methodis provided as a mere example. It is possible to employ any other methodfor obtaining a bit rate based on a case in which the criterion of thestep S1001 is determined by thresholds without being set to “0” orothers or based on a formula other than the above formula (1).

Therefore, according to the first embodiment, even when a transmissionnetwork bandwidth is unknown or when the bandwidth changes halfway, itis possible to reset a parameter or the like based on the receiver'snetwork information, and then, encode and transmit an image inaccordance with the parameter suitable to a current network. In thismanner, even in the case of a network congestion, although a bit rate isautomatically lowered, and an image quality is lowered, it is possibleto communicate an image without an occurrence of a phenomenon that animage is destroyed due to such packet loss. This method is veryeffective in image transmission in real time.

The first embodiment can be carried out by modifying it as follows. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 11, a method other than that shown in FIG. 10is employed as a method for determining a network condition at thenetwork condition determination device 105. That is, in the flow chartshown in FIG. 10, a parameter is set at only a packet loss rate. Incontrast, in the method shown in FIG. 11, even when no packet lossoccurs at the step S1104, a delay quantity is checked. As a result ofthis check, if a delay occurs in excess of a predetermined value, it isdetermined that a network is congested. When it is determined that anetwork is congested, a bit rate is calculated, and a new parameter isset by using formula (2) below, for example, at the step S1105.b′=b×{(TN−TS)+(d−dth)}/(TN−TS)  (2)

where “b” denotes a delay time, b′ denotes a new bit rate, TN denotes acurrent time, TS denotes a start time, “d” denotes a delay time, and“dth” denotes delay time thresholds.

FIG. 2 shows an example when the network condition determination device105 is provided with a function for generating the network conditioninformation 136 so as to provide the information to the image encoder102 by extending the configuration shown in FIG. 1.

According to a configuration shown in FIG. 2, the network conditiondetermination device 105 is provided with a function for acquiring acurrent parameter at the current image encoder 102 and a function forgenerating the network condition information 136 on what parametershould be set next from the thus acquired current parameter and networkinformation 135, thereby providing the parameter to the image encoder102.

In the case of this construction, the network condition determinationdevice 105 can recognize a state of a video parameter, i.e., a state ofthe encode processing currently done at the video encoder 102, thusmaking it possible for the network condition determination device tocalculate and grasp a bit rate or the like. This construction isadvantageous in the case of determining a network condition by comparingthe network information 135 with parameter information 137. Thus, asystem is realized which is capable of changing a parameter so as to setan optimal bit rate in accordance with the network condition, andproviding the parameter to the video encoder 102, thereby adjusting theencode processing.

In this way, according to the present invention, transmission isadjusted in accordance with a transmission state of a transmissionchannel or error resilience is changed. The transmission state isadjusted by changing a bit rate or changing a frame interval. Withrespect to a change in quality of a transmission channel, the errorresilience is changed according to the transmission state of thetransmission channel (for example, the error resilience is changed bychanging an interval of an MPEG4 synchronous signal). Therefore, datatransmission can be carried out efficiently to the maximum, therebyenabling data transmission that makes it possible to fully utilizetransmission requiring real time processing.

FIG. 3 shows a configuration when the configuration shown in FIG. 2 isfurther developed. This network condition determination device 105comprises a network information storage device 301 that stores pastnetwork information and an encoded parameter information storage device302 that stores encoded parameter information supplied to the currentvideo encoder 102. A network condition determination device 303recognizes the past network information and the current encodedparameter from these elements, decides an elapse of time in networkcondition from these elements to determine an optimal parameter assignedto the video encoder 102, and provides the parameter to the videoencoder 102.

With this construction, it is possible to determine a network conditionmore accurately by referring to an elapse of time relevant to networkinformation. FIG. 12 shows a flow chart of a network conditiondetermination method in the case of using this system. Processing at thenetwork condition determination device 303 will be described inaccordance with this flow chart. First, the network conditiondetermination device 303 determines whether or not packet loss is “0” atthe step S1201. As a result of this determination, when the packet lossis present, it is determined by the step S1202 whether or not the pastpacket loss occurs. As a result, when the past packet loss occurs, theloss rate is compared with the current rate. If the current packet lossrate is higher than the past packet loss rate, it can be determined thatthe past correction has been invalid.

It is understood from this determination that the bandwidth overflow oftransmission data such as network congestion is not troublesome, but apossibility that a noise or the like occurs over a channel resulting indestroying is high. Therefore, the network condition determinationdevice 303 does not change a bit rate at the step S1204, and carries outparameter setting to ensure reliable error correction, and notifies thefact to the video encoder 102 at the step S1205.

If the current packet loss rate is lower than the past packet loss rateat the step S1203, the network condition determination device 303determines that the past change works efficiently, and re-calculates avalid bit rate from the packet loss rate at the step S1206. When thepast packet loss does not occur at the step S1202, the last loss isdetermined as a channel noise, and processing goes to the step S1204.

On the other hand, when no packet loss occurs at the step S1201, thenetwork condition determination device 303 checks a delay quantity atthe step S1207. As a result, when the delay quantity exceeds thresholds“Th”, a valid bit rate is calculated from the delay quantity at the stepS1208, and the calculation result is notified to the video encoder 102at the step S1205.

Lastly, when the delay quantity does not exceeds the thresholds “Th”,the network condition determination device 303 determines thatsuccessful communication is established, and does not change a parameterat the step S1209.

By causing the network condition determination device 303 to carry outsuch processing, the network condition determination device 105 can havea function capable of determining whether a packet loss occurs on atransmission channel due to network congestion or whether a noise isgenerated, and the loss occurs due to the impairment of a channel statesuch as radio equipment.

This function is provided as a mere example. For example, when the pastpacket loss does not occur at the step S1202, a control for lowering abit rate may be made by determining network congestion instead ofdetermination of noise. If the current packet loss rate is improved moreremarkably than the past packet loss rate at the step S1203, similarparameter change may be made after checking how the past change has beenmade. In this way, in this system, a variety of determination systemscan be set according to a network.

In the foregoing, although there has been shown an example in which thevideo encoder 102 carries out encode processing based on encodedparameters determined and assigned at the network conditiondetermination device 105, a configuration for the video encoder 102 todetermine a parameter can be provided without being limited to thenetwork condition determination device 105. An example is shown in FIG.4.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an inclusive configuration when thevideo encoder 102 determines an encoded parameter. In the case of thisexample, the video encoder 102 comprises an encoded parameterdetermination device 401 and a signal processor 402.

In the case of this configuration, the network condition determinationdevice 105 is configured to output the network condition information 136from the network condition determination device 303, and then, providethe information to the video encoder 102.

In such a configuration, the network condition determination device 105provides the network condition information 136 delivered from thenetwork condition determination device 303 to the video encoder 102.Then, the video encoder 102 first inputs the network conditioninformation 136 to an encoded parameter determination device 401. Then,the encoded parameter determination device 401 recognizes a networkcondition from this network condition information 136, and generates anencoded parameter 431 in the form suitable to the network condition.

The thus generated encoded parameter 431 is inputted to a signalprocessor 402. Then, this signal processor 402 encodes the video signal131 inputted from the video input device 101 by using this encodedparameter 431.

Encoding information 432 such as the number of encoded bits afterencoding is inputted to the encoded parameter determination device 401,and is used for the next encoded parameter determination. Encoded data132 encoded at the signal processor 402 is output to the encoded datatransmitter 103.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram depicting a configuration including aintra-frame encoding determination device 501 that forcibly setsintra-frame encoding at the encoded parameter determination device 401shown in FIG. 4. As shown in the figure, the encoded parameterdetermination device 401 comprises an intra-frame encoding/determinationdevice 501 and an encoded parameter determination device 502.

In the case of this configuration, the network condition information 136outputted from the network condition determination device 105 is inputto the encoded parameter determination device 502 possessed by theencoded parameter determination device 401. Then, encoded parameterinformation 531 corresponding to the network condition information 136is output from the encoded parameter determination device 502.

The encoded parameter information 531 is input to the intra-frameencoding determination device 501, and it is determined whetherinter-frame encoding is carried out as is or intra-frame encoding isforcibly carried out. When it is determined as intra-frame encoding, theencoding parameter information 531 is updated so as to carry outintra-frame encoding, and is output as the encoded parameter information431 to the signal processor 402 of the video encoder 102.

By doing this, even if the past data is not transmitted correctly to areceiver, when the data can be received correctly after parameterchange, a correct image can be reproduced.

It is possible to configure a video encoder capable of determining anetwork condition, which has functions of the video encoder 102 andnetwork condition determination device 105, thereby making it possibleto provide the previously described function in one block.

The encoded parameter determination device 401 or network conditiondetermination device 105 makes determination concerning the next encodedparameter setting. However, if a picture quality is changed suddenly dueto temporary instability of network, an unclear picture may be produced.In order to suppress such a phenomenon, it is possible to incorporate amechanism in which a change in encoded parameter is suppressed withinits predetermined range. In the above described circumstance, thismechanism functions efficiently.

Although a bit rate or an error resilience parameter may be set as itscalculated value, it is possible to employ a method of predeterminingsome patterns, and then, selecting the closest pattern from among them.Further, instead of the closest pattern, it is possible to make aselection of the closest bit rate which is lower than the calculated bitrate. This makes it possible to prevent the generation of a video imagewith its unexpected image quality due to a combination of a variety ofparameters, and makes it possible to prepare a combination of encodedparameters that have been tested to some extent.

In the foregoing example, when the packet loss rate is not “0” or when adelay exceeds the thresholds, there has been made a control such thatparameters such as bit rate or error resilience are changed, and thechanged is reset to that suitable to the current state.

However, after recovery of a network condition, when no packet lossoccurs or when a small delay occurs, it is possible to make a controlfor increasing a bit rate or decreasing an error resilience parameter.

The foregoing example will be described below according to a secondembodiment.

(Second Embodiment)

FIG. 6 is a view showing a basic configuration of an image transmissionapparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.The image transmission apparatus shown in FIG. 6 comprises a pluralityof media 601, an encoded data switch device 602, an encoded dataselector 603, an encoded data transmitter 103, a network informationreceiver 104, and a network condition determination device 105.

The storage media 601 are used to store encoded data 631 on contentsthat have been encoded in advance. The storage media 601 each storeencoded data on the same contents encoded by different encodedparameters, respectively.

The encoded data switch device 602 selects one of a plurality of storagemedia 601, and provides encoding data 631 stored in the thus selectedstorage medium 601 to the encoded data transmitter 103. A selection ofthe storage media is carried out in accordance with switch information632 from the encoded data selector 603.

The network information receiver 104 has a function that receivesnetwork information 134 such as packet loss rate or Jitter informationdelivered from a receiver or a network, and provides the receivedinformation as network information 135 to the network conditiondetermination device 105.

The network condition determination device 105 determines a networkcondition from the input network information 135, and outputs the resultas network condition information 136 to the encoded data selector 603.The encoded data selector 603 has a function for estimating, from thisnetwork condition information 136, which of the encoded data on encodingparameters is optimal to the current network, and then, outputting tothe encoded data switch device 602 the switch information 632 used forswitching in order to select encoded data caused by the estimatedoptimal encoding parameter as an output.

The encoded data switch device 602 selects one item of encoded data fromamong the input encoded data 631, and outputs encoded data 132.

With such a configuration, the encoded data 631 encoded in advance andstore in the storage medium 601 or the like is input to an encoding dataswitch device 602 when the data is reproduced from the storage medium601. That is, respective encoded data encoded by the differentialencoding parameters are maintained in a plurality of storage media 601.As a result of reproducing these items of data, the encoded data encodedby the different encoding parameters, respectively, is inputted. Theencoded data switch device 602 selects one from among these items ofdata, and outputs it to the encoded data transmitter 103.

This selection is carried out in accordance with switch information 632from the encoded data selector 603.

On the other hand, network information 134 such as packet loss rate orJitter information from a receiver is received at the networkinformation receiver 104, and then, the received information isdelivered to the network condition determination device 105. The networkcondition determination device 105 determines a network condition fromthe inputted network information 135, and outputs the result as networkcondition information 136 to an encoded data selector 603.

The encoded data selector 603 estimates, from the network conditioninformation 136, which of the encoded data of the encoding parameters isoptimal to the current network, and outputs the switch information 632to the encoded data switch device 602.

The encoded data switch device 602 selects one item of the encoded datafrom among the input encoded data 631, and outputs encoded data 132.

The present embodiment will be described by way of a specific example.

Now, assume that there exist five storage media 601 a to 601 e eachhaving stored therein five items of encoded data encoded at 384 kbps,128 kbps, 64 kbps, 32 kbps, and 16 kbps.

That is, for example, a storage medium having stored therein encodeddata on contents encoded at 384 kbps is defined as a storage medium 601a; a storage medium having stored therein encoded data on contentsencoded at 128 kbps is defined as a storage medium 601 b; a storagemedium having stored therein encoded data on contents encoded at 64 kbpsis defined as a storage medium 601 c; a storage medium having storedtherein encoded data on contents encoded at 32 kbps is defined as astorage medium 601 d; and a storage medium having stored therein encodeddata on contents encoded at 16 kbps is defined as a storage medium 601e.

In the case of using a transmission channel having its quality capableof being transmitted at 384 kbps, first, reproduced encoded data isselected by the storage medium 601 a that is a storage medium havingstored therein encoded data on contents encoded at 384 kbps;transmission is started at 384 kbps, and reception of networkinformation from the receiver starts at the same time.

Although network information is received at a predetermined interval, ifa problem occurs with a network based on the received information, avalid bit rate is calculated at a stage at which a packet loss or delayoccurs. The encoded data selector 603 selects encoded data on a bit rateclose to the calculated bit rate, and the encoded data switch device 602switches and transmits the selected data.

For example, the calculated bit rate is 140 kbps, a value close to thisbit rate is 128 kbps. In this case, the above switch device selects andswitches encoded data reproduced from the storage medium 601 b havingstored therein encoded data on contents encoded at 128 kbps. Inaddition, if the calculated bit rate is 100 kbps, a value close to a bitrate lower than the calculated bit rate is 64 kbps. In this case, theswitch device selects and switches encoded data reproduced from thestorage medium 601 c having stored therein encoded data on contentsencoded at 64 kbps.

In this way, in the present embodiment, contents are prepared afterencoded in advance for type of transmission bit rate, and a currentoptimal transmission rate is obtained based on network information suchas packet loss rate or Jitter information from a receiver that is afunction possessed by RTP. A storage medium having stored thereinencoded data obtained at the bit rate corresponding to this transmissionrate is selected by the switch 602, and reproduced encoded data outputof the storage medium is transmitted. In this manner, there is no needfor a server to carry out encode processing in real time, making itpossible to reduce a load on the server. This is very effective indistributing a pre-produced video such as broadcast in particular.

Now, a modified example of the second embodiment will be described here.FIG. 7 is a block diagram depicting a method for carrying out controlfor a switch timing of encoded data to be inputted at the encoded dataswitch device 602.

Encoded data 631 is inputted to the switching position detecting device701 and a switch device 702. Switch information 632 is inputted to theswitching position detecting device 701. If there occurs a need toexecute switching from the current encoded data to the other encodeddata according to the switch information 632, the switching positiondetecting device 701 analyzes encoded data, and detects a switchingenable position.

This means that a search is made for a frame encoded by intra-frameencoding (I-Picture).

When the switching enable position is set, an instruction for switchingencoded data is supplied to the switch device 702 by using the switchinginstruction information 731. FIG. 8 shows an example of thisinstruction. Assume that encoded data A is currently selected, and thereoccurs a need to execute switching to encoded data B according to theswitch information 632.

At this stage, assume that a frame is processed at the time of“switching instruction” shown in FIG. 8. In such a case, if encoded datais switched, an unmatched image occurs. This is because a differencefrom the previous image is encoded in intra-frame encoding (P-Picture).Therefore, if encoded data is switched at the time of P-Picture, anattempt is made to reproduce the next picture (picture P11 of encodeddata (B)) by using immediately preceding picture (decoded picture I11 ofencoding data (A)). This provides a problem that a correct decodepicture cannot be obtained, and a picture is destroyed. Thus, thereoccurs a need to execute switching at a timing of a picture ofintra-frame encoding (I-Picture) undergoing encoding by that frame only.This timing is defined as a timing at a position marked with “executeswitching”.

As in FIG. 9, a case in which the number of frames or time positiondiffers depending on encoded data is considered. In this case as well, aswitching enable position of encoded data at a switching destination isdetected, and switching of encoded data is executed when the switchingenable position is set.

At the switching position detecting device 701 shown in FIG. 7, when aneed to execute switching according to the switch information 632occurs, it is possible to employ a method for temporarily stopping anoutput 132 to the encoded data transmitter 103, and then, outputting newencoded data to the encoded data transmitter 103 at a stage at which theswitching position is set.

This method is effective when it is necessary to suppress a bufferoverflow or the like by switching encoded data. When an underflow isproblematic, a stuffing bit is forcibly inserted, thereby making itpossible to counteract such an underflow.

(Third Embodiment)

Now, a third embodiment according to the present invention will bedescribed here.

The present embodiment describes an exemplary configuration of anencoding parameter determination device 401 of the video encoder 102shown in FIG. 4 according to the first embodiment when a time interval(GOP interval) between frames encoded in a intra-frame encoded mode isadjusted based on the network condition information 136 outputted fromthe network state determination device 105. Here, a description will begiven by focusing on differences from the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 shows an exemplary configuration of the encoding parameterdetermination device 401. This device comprises a GOP intervalcalculator (GOP interval calculator) 1501 and an encoding parameterdetermination device 502.

The network condition information 136 outputted from the networkcondition determination device 105 (including at least packet loss rateinformation) is input to an encoding parameter determination device 502.The parameter determination device 502 inputs packet loss rateinformation 1531 of the network condition information 136 to the GOPinterval calculator 1501. The GOP interval calculator 1501 calculates aGOP interval from the packet loss rate information 1531. The GOPinterval information 1532 is notified to the encoding parameterdetermination device 401. The encoding parameter determination device401 outputs encoding parameter information 431 that contains theinputted GOP interval information 1532. When internally generatedparameter information exists, the encoding parameter determinationdevice 401 outputs GOP interval information 1532 and encoding parameterinformation 431 that contains the internally generated parameterinformation.

FIG. 14 shows an example of a method for determining a GOP interval atthe GOP interval calculator.

At the step S1601, it is determined whether or not a packet loss occursfrom the network condition information 136. When such a packet lossoccurs, the GOP interval is estimated by formula (3) below, for example,at the step S1602.Gop=(TN−TL)/{(FN−FL)×r}  (3)

where “gop” denotes a GOP interval, “r” denotes a packet loss rate, FNdenotes a total number of current frames, FL denotes a total number offrames during past calculation, TN denotes a time, and TL denotes a timeduring past calculation.

The GOP interval obtained at the step S1602 is notified to the signalprocessor 402 at the step S1603, and encoding is carried out based onthe notified value.

On the other hand, when no packet loss has occurred at the step S1601,the default GOP thresholds are read out at the step S1604. At the stepS1603, this value is notified to the signal processor 402.

According to the present embodiment, it is possible to changedynamically the GOP interval to a value suitable to a network. In thismanner, when a small number of errors occur, the GOP interval isincreased, thereby making it possible to reduce wasteful intra-frameencoded modes in number. In contrast, when a large number of errorsoccur, the GOP interval is decreased, and a frame in the intra-frameencoded mode appears quickly, thereby making it possible to acceleraterecovery. In the present embodiment, it is possible to efficientlyselect an intra-frame encoded mode.

FIG. 15 shows another example of a method for determining a GOP intervalat the GOP interval calculator in accordance with a flow chart.

In this example, even when packet loss is fewer than that in the systemshown in FIG. 14, the network condition is estimated from the pasthistory of packet loss at the step S1704, and an optimal GOP interval iscalculated. This technique makes it possible to estimate whether anetwork is completely free of an error or an error may occurs bychecking the past history instead of resetting the GOP interval to thedefault value by determining that no packet loss occurs at one moment.In this manner, it is possible to determine the network condition moreaccurately.

FIG. 16 shows still another example of a method for determining a GOPinterval at the GOP internal calculator in accordance with a flow chart.

In this example, the GOP interval is determined by a unique calculationsystem instead of determination based on the presence/absence of apacket loss. This system can be used to determine the GOP interval fromthe current packet loss rate in accordance with a single formula or todetermine the most suitable GOP interval by checking the past history.

The following formula (4) shows an example of calculation formula fordetermining the GOP interval.Gop=[(TN−TL)/{(FN−FL)×r}]×α  (4)

where “gop” denotes a GOP interval, “r” denotes a packet loss rate, αdenotes a sensitivity coefficient, FB denotes a total number of currentframes, FL denotes a total number of frames during past calculation, TNdenotes a current time, and TL denotes a time during past calculation.

In this example, the GOP interval calculated from an actual value ismultiplied by a sensitivity coefficient, thereby making it possible tomeet a requirement for accelerating recovery by sacrificing efficiencyor a requirement when one does not take care even if an effect of erroris somewhat extended. For example, if the sensitivity coefficient α isset to be smaller than 1, a GOP interval which is smaller than thatcalculated from an actually measured value is output. In this manner,although the efficiency is sacrificed, when an error occurs, it ispossible to estimate faster recovery.

The present embodiment is not limited to formulas (3) and (4). Forexample, in these formulas, a value is calculated by using an incrementduring past calculation and subsequent, it is possible to calculate thevalue by taking a margin such as the n preceding increment. In thismanner, it is possible to cope with a gradual change hidden in a changein detailed state or to eliminate a temporal change to some extent.Similarly, algorithms are not limited to those shown in the presentembodiment.

The foregoing embodiment has described an exemplary configuration when atime interval (GOP interval) is adjusted, the time interval beingbetween the frames encoded in the intra-frame encoded mode based on thenetwork condition information 136 at the encoding parameterdetermination device 401 of the video encoder 102 shown in FIG. 4according to the first embodiment. Alternatively, there can be provideda configuration in which the network condition determination device 105according to the first embodiment (FIG. 1, 2, or 3) determines a timeinterval (GOP interval) encoded in the intra-frame encoded mode based oninformation from the network information or information from the networkinformation receiver 104 and information from the video encoder 102, andprovides the encoded time interval to the image encoder 102.

As described in the first embodiment, it is possible to configure avideo encoder capable of determining a network condition, the videoencoder having functions of the video encoder 102 and network conditiondetermination device 105, thereby providing the previously describedfunctions in one block.

In the foregoing, although a variety of embodiments have been described,in short, the present invention utilizes characteristics of RTP, andcomprises a system (RTCP) for notifying network state information suchas jitter or packet loss rate from a transmitter or receiver. At thetransmitter, a bit rate of transmission data at the transmitter isadjusted according to a transmission state of a transmission channelbased on the notification of network state information acquired from thereceiver in the transmitter such as jitter or packet loss rate so thatcontrol such as change of the error resilience level can be carried out.Therefore, according to the above described present invention, data canbe transmitted efficiently to the maximum so as to achieve datatransmission that makes it possible to fully utilize transmissionrequiring real time properties as well.

The techniques described in the embodiments of the present invention canbe distributed to be stored as a computer executable program in arecording medium such as a magnetic disk (such as a flexible disk or ahard disk); an optical disk (such as CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD, or MO),and a recording medium such as a semiconductor memory. Further, theabove program can be distributed by means of transmission via a network.

According to the present invention, it is possible to determine anetwork condition, and then, optimally set an encoding parameter. Inaddition, when a packet loss caused by congestion and a loss of achannel error coexist in a network, it is possible to determine theloss, and then, to set a parameter.

Therefore, according to the present invention, there can be provided adata transmission apparatus and method in which data can be transmittedefficiently to the maximum so as to achieve data transmission that makesit possible to fully utilize transmission requiring real timeproperties.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. A data transmission apparatus including a transmitter that transmitsencoded data to a network, comprising: a network information receiverconfigured to receive network information regarding a network conditionof a network; a network condition determination device configured todetermine the network condition based on the network informationreceived by the network information receiver; a plurality of storagemedia in which a plurality of respective encoded data sets encoded atdifferent respective transmission rates have been stored; an encodeddata switching device configured to switch among the storage mediaaccording to the network information to select one of the encoded datasets that has a transmission rate corresponding to the switchinginformation; and an encoded data selector configured to select atransmission rate of encoded data to be transmitted from a transmitterbased on the network condition information outputted from the networkcondition determination device and output the selected transmission rateas the switching information to the encoded data switching device.
 2. Anapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the encoded data switchingdevice includes a switching position detector configured to detect aswitching position at which one of the storage media is switched to theother, and when an encoded data switching signal is generated by theswitching information output from the encoded data selector, theswitching position detector detects the switching position, to switchone of the storage media at the switching position.
 3. A method oftransmitting data using a transmitter to transmit encoded data to anetwork, comprising: preparing a plurality of storage media in which aplurality of encoded data sets encoded at different transmission rates,respectively, have been stored, respectively; receiving networkinformation regarding a network condition of a network; determining thenetwork condition based on the network information; switching among thestorage media to select one of the encoded data sets that has atransmission rate corresponding to switching information; and selectinga transmission rate of encoded data to be transmitted from a transmitterbased on the network condition information and output the selectedtransmission rate as the switching information.
 4. The method accordingto claim 3, wherein the switching includes detecting a switchingposition at which one of the storage media is switched to the other, anddetecting the switching position includes detecting the switchingposition to switch one of the storage media at the switching position,when an encoded data switching signal is generated by the switchinginformation obtained by the selecting.
 5. A data transmission apparatusincluding a transmitter that transmits encoded data to a network,comprising: a network information receiver configured to receive networkinformation regarding a network condition of the network; a networkcondition determination device configured to determine the networkcondition based on the network information received by the networkinformation receiver; an encoded data switching device configured toswitch among plural encoded data encoded at different transmissionrates, respectively, to select encoded data having a transmission ratecorresponding to switching information; and an encoded data selectorconfigured to select a transmission rate of encoded data to betransmitted from the transmitter based on the network conditioninformation outputted from the network condition determination deviceand output the selected transmission rate as the switching informationto the encoded data switching device, and wherein the encoded dataswitching device includes a switching position detector configured todetect a switching position at which one of the encoded data can beswitched to the other, and when an encoded data switching signal isgenerated by the switching information output from the encoded dataselector, the switching position detector detects the switchingposition, to switch the encoded data at the switching position.
 6. Amethod of transmitting data using a transmitter to transmit encoded datato a network, comprising: receiving network information regarding anetwork condition of the network; determining the network conditionbased on the network information; switching among plural encoded dataencoded at different transmission rates, respectively, to select encodeddata having a transmission rate corresponding to switching information;and selecting a transmission rate of encoded data to be transmitted fromthe transmitter based on the network condition information and outputthe selected transmission rate as the switching information, wherein theswitching includes detecting a switching position at which one of theencoded data is switched to the other, and detecting the switchingposition includes detecting the switching position to switch the encodeddata at the switching position, when an encoded data switching signal isgenerated by the switching information obtained by the selecting.